It is true what the British PM has said - that Great Britain is looking forward to Croatia becoming a member of the EU. There are no political obstacles to it. Great Britain wants to ensure that it happens with its assistance and support, said Ashton, who was on a two-day working visit to Croatia.
She went on to say that her country could benefit from some of Croatia's experiences, such as the introduction of information technology at courts, which is currently being done in Great Britain.
Minister Lovrin said that the two countries were participating in some joint projects that were giving positive results, such as alternative settlement of disputes at the Zagreb Commercial Court, which Minister Ashton is to visit on Thursday, and assistance to the Judicial Academy.
She added that the Croatian judiciary could adjust and integrate some elements from the British judiciary, such as conciliation or mediation procedure and the Assets Recovery Agency.
Lovrin said that she informed Ashton of the judicial reform in Croatia, the use of European funding, and projects that were being implemented as part of the process of accession to the EU.
Reporters asked the British official about the extradition of Milan Spanovic and Damir Travica, Croatian nationals convicted for war crimes in Croatia, now living in Great Britain.
Spanovic, a Croatian Serb arrested on 13 June 2006 in Great Britain, was sentenced in absence by a Croatian court to 20 years in prison for war crimes committed in the area of Glina in 1991. He will be taken to a London court for a final hearing on his extradition to Croatia.
He was released on GBP 5,000 bail, his passport was seized and he has to report to the police every day.
Damir Travica, convicted for war crimes in the area of Knin in January 1992, is also awaiting transfer to Croatia. The extradition procedure in his case has been under way for four years. His case has gone through all court instances and he is currently in prison in Brixton.
I cannot speak about Spanovic because the case is in court procedure, Ashton said, adding that Great Britain was not a haven for criminals and that if criminal responsibility was established, it would reflect in decisions by relevant bodies.
As for Travica, the Home Office is aware of the request and is considering it, Ashton said.